The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-17
READY FOR THE DEDICATION
Arrival of the Colfax Monument. Which
Will Be Dedicated TO-MOrrOw.
Preparations for the Event by the Odd-Fel-
lows of the State-Mr. Colfax's Work IN
Establishing the Degree of Rebekah.

The pieces of the pedestal for the Colfax moC-
ument arrived last night from the East. and the
statue, about the same time, arrived from Chi
cago in charge of dorado Topt. the sculptor
whose genius created it. The monument will be
| placed in position to-day, and everything will be
| in readiness for the dedication which will take
| place tomorrow afternoon The history of the
peculiar services of Schuyler Colfax in Odd-fel-
| Iowship, which have resulted in the erection of
this monument to his memory, are interesting
In 1850, at the session of the Grand Lodge of the
United States at Cincinnati, resolution was in
troduced by Representative Smith, OF New York,
looking to the organization of a degree for the
wives and daughters of members, which was re-
ferred to the legislative committee. Schuyler
Colfax, then twenty-six years DID, represented
Indiana in that Grand Lodge and with Larue, of
Louisiana, and Kennedy, of New York,
composed the legislative committee. After
considering the matter two reports were
made. an adverse report signed by Larue and
Kennedy. and favorable report signed by Col
fax After great discussion, with much ridicui
heaped upon the young brother, the Indiana
representative by argument and reason carried
his point the resolution was adopted and COM
mittee, Of which Mr.. Colfax was chairman. was
appointed to prepare degree for the admission
of women into the order. The ritual and secret
work were prepared by Mr.. Colfax and are es-
sentially the those IN use now. For
many years it regarded as side degree. In
1868 chartered lodges were authorized. and later
on their jurisdiction was enlarged Originally,
none but the wives of Scarlet degree members
were entitled to receive it, but later legislation
admitted the unmarried daughters over eighteen
years of age, and the sisters of Scarlet degree
mem bers, but lady could not preside over fhe
lodge. Later this unjust restriction
was abolished, and the affairs of
the lodges given entirely into the hands of the
female members. The ritual has been improved,
the work beautifed. and the degree now is not
excelled by any other in the order. There are
now 800 lodges with 100, 900 members in the
United States and Canada. 5000 members in
Indiana No hesitates to give Schuyler
Colfax the credit of being the author of the
beautiful degree of Rebekah. So long he
lived he advocated the cause of the order, and it
is for this special work that this monument is to
be erected by grateful sisterhood. assisted by
the brothers throughout the United States and
Canada. The monument costs So, 600, and not
dollar has been expended in commissions or in
expenses of any kind-not even for stationery
and postage-stamps. The entire collection and
disbursement of the fund has been labor OF
love.
The pedestal is from design by Mr.. A. A.
McKain, and is of granite from Oak Hill, Me-
1t is symbolic in form. The three blocks at the
base on one of which is the word ''Colfax," in
raised polished letters, represents Faith, Hope
and Charity. The chief side of the die exhibits
a scriptural scene, representing Rebekah at the
well, giving drink to the servant of Isaac. This
is in bronze medallion. The other sides are en-
bellished with polished raised emblems OF the
other branches of the order. From the die
start three columns with plinth. These repre-
sent the principles of the order-Friendship
Love and Truth. The tops of the columns are
ornamented and covered with a cap. and on these
rests a heroic statue of Colfax. Including the
bronze block on which the statue stands. this is
eight feet and four inches high, while the whole
structure twenty feet high from the ground to
. the top of the figure, seven feet higher than the
Morton monument Mr.. dorado Topt. of Chi
cago, the sculptor is Young American. who
graduated at the Art School of Paris first in q
class of sixty.
OF the work Of the artist it may be said that
it is much admired by those who knew Mr.. Col
fax best and are therefore best qualified to
Judge. The face is more serious than Mr.. Col
fax's was when engaged In conversation with
friends. but the expression given is natural and
dgnfed. The artist did not nave the benefit of
aplaster cast Of the face, as none was taken, and
has built it up wholly from Photographic like
nesses. The drapery of the figure is admirable,
the folds and creases giving grace and ease
that are too often absent in bronzes. The garb
is modern, and on that account required more
careful handling than would the loose and flowing
toga of classic sculpture. The figure is dressed
in n Prince Albert coat, close buttoned, with an
overcoat thrown back, the weight OF the BODY
resting the right foot. the left knee slightly
bent The right hand is thrown outward, open,
in an easy gesture: the left arm Is drawn up.
and the left hand holding bunch OF papers is
pressed lightly upon the hip The statue was
cast at the works of De la Fontaine 81 Berchem.
bronze founders. Chicago, being the first large
cast made in the West
The memorial will stand in University Park,
in the southwest corner, in the center OF the
broad pathway. It will be placed there for the
reason that there is too much foliage near tho
center of the park. which would detract from
the view of the statue Where it will be placed
will allow it to be from quite a distance, in
three different directions IL viii have tr,,
angular walk of stone placed about 1t, and will
be surrounded by beds of flowers, the order pro-
posing to arrange tP have the flowers properly
cared for. Grand Sire White will deliver the
Grafton at the unwilling of the monument.
Beside the 5000 Daughters of Rebekah IL Indi-
ana, there are q, 900 Odd-fellows, and to-mor-
will not only see large delegations from all
parts OF the State, but nearly every State In the
Union will be represented by greater or less
number of members Grand Sire John H.
White of Albion. N. Y. and Deputy Grand Sire
John Underwood, of Kentucky, will arrive this
evening. Acknowledgements Smith, of Hi
nois we'll known for his work in Odd-fellowship,
is also expected together with others prominent
in the order from surrounding States
Theo. Pfaff1in. brigader- general commanding
the Patrarchs Militant, Department of Indiana,
has issued fhe following general order:
The organizations taking part in the process
sion will form at 1:l5P. NJ, as follows
Metropolitan police Military companies and Uni
form Rank X. of 2. in the order named. Market
First Regiment Patriarchs Militant. west side of
Pennsylvania street. right resting on Market; Second
Regiment Patriarchs Militant, east side of Pennsylva
mia, right resting Ohio; subordinate lodges and
encampments 1: o. Q. F. Delaware street, right
resting Market, extending north; Grand Lodge
and Encampment Delaware street, right resting
Market street. extending south.
Grand Sire john III. White. Depty Grand Sire
John Underwood and other grand officers State and
county officers in carriages north side of Washing
ton street right resting on Delaware
The order of procession will be as follows:
First Dirision
Metropolitan Police Superintendent Albert Travis
commanding.
Band.
Canton Muncie Mo- A. Patriarchs Militant as escort
Theodore Pfafiin, Brgadier General Commanding
Department of Indiana and staff: r. H.
af of eta A.. T0b